Joan Brown in ‘Viva la Raspberries’ at Harris Lieberman

Joan Brown, Mary Julia y Manuel, enamel on canvas, 1976.
Joan Brown, Mary Julia y Manuel, enamel on canvas, 1976.

Apart from its large size and bold color, Joan Brown’s ‘Mary Julia Y Manuel,’ from 1976 stands out for its romantic drama, played out on a bright red stage before a swirling San Francisco Bay.  Mary Julia, model and poet, holds a similar pose to Goya’s supposed lover, the Dutchess of Alba and her name is paired with Brown’s ex-husband Manuel, making this nighttime scene ring with tension. (‘Viva la Raspberries’ is at Harris Lieberman, Chelsea, through August 17th).